The long and rich history of the mound at Hegebeintum.

Origin and evolution

The mound (a “terp” in Dutch) is a typical characteristic feature of the Friesian coast. These mounds, which can be described as hand-made hills, protected the people and their cattle against flooding caused by the high tides. These mounds were repeatedly built-up over the years, using clay, manure and household waste. The majority of them reached heights of 2 to 7 metres above sea level, but the mound at Hegebeintum comes on top at 9 metres. In about the year 1000, dyke building had started, making the mounds less necessary as safe havens against flooding. Nevertheless, they remained intact until the end of the 19^th century, around which time, as the soil appeared to be very fertile, much of it was removed from most of the Frisian mounds and was used as fertiliser on agricultural land. A very steep slope is all that remains of the original, unique, Hegebeintum terp.

North Friesland Wetlands

It Fryske Gea is a Friesian society, which protects and manages large and small nature reserves in the county of Friesland. In collaboration with this society, walking excursions are organised in the wetlands. This is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can experience open space and extensive views. A large variety of birds and salt-loving flowers is a feature of the area.

The excavation reconstructed

A reconstruction of how the mound was excavated can be seen on the northeast side of the mound. You can see a typical tipping wagon, which was used to take the soil to the boat.

Archaeological findings

One positive aspect of these diggings was that in 1904 many interesting things were excavated. In collaboration with the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, some of these articles are housed in the Hegebeintum Visitors’ Centre. A 7^th century clasp has to be regarded as one of the most beautiful objects of the collection. However, other items indicate that the mound dates back to the 5^th century BC. Through a DVD presentation, visitors can get a vivid impression of the life and history of the people around the mound, as well as of the cultural importance of this area.

The church was built in the early 12^th century, as can be seen from the use of tuff, a volcanic stone from the Eiffel Mountains in Germany. The interior of Hegebeintum church differs surprisingly from the usually sober interior of Protestant Churches, and has been influenced by the aristocratic residents of the nearby Harsta State. The memorial panels form one of the richest collections in the Netherlands. These panels, in memory of the deceased aristocracy, are dated from 1689 to 1906, and differ greatly in size and design. Some are highly decorated with symbolic carvings and gilding, whilst others are quite simple.

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